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In April 2007, the City Council approved a consultant agreement with Keller Mitchell & Co. in the amount of $25,500 to provide consulting services for development of a master plan for the play yard. Keller Mitchell & Co. worked with City staff and the Gingerbread Preschool Task Force to conduct children input sessions and public workshops to develop design options. In October 2007, the contract with Keller Mitchell & Co. was amended to redesign the play yard in an effort to reduce costs, utilize the space more efficiently and revise preliminary cost estimates. The amendment was funded by FOG from its July 2006 donation, not to exceed $12,000. The current plan developed by City staff and Keller Mitchell & Co. meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and environmental conservation and master plan objectives based on the most current research in the field of early childhood education, including: • Providing an outdoor environment that will nourish each child's innate curiosity, imagination and joy of discovery through play. • Meeting desired outcomes (promoting physical, emotional and social growth and cognitive development) for the healthy development of children 18 months to six years of age. • Providing ahands-on environment in a natural setting. A variety of elements are presented for children to explore, experience and learn. The next step would be for Keller Mitchell & Co. to complete biddable construction documents, at an estimated cost not to exceed $40,000. Staff would return to the City Council at a later time for the award of low bid and execution of related construction contracts. Attachment 2 provides a cost estimate and detailed explanation of the proposed elements for the play yard. The conceptual plan is shown in Attachment 3. The preliminary estimate for play yard improvements is approximately $326,000, with a construction timeframe of approximately three months. The exact amount of the construction project will not be determined until the project, if approved and funded by the Council, is bid later this year. Construction could begin as early as June 2008. Building Renovation Proposal While funding is not currently allocated for any building renovation, staff assessed the condition of the existing building. While Support Services staff completed a number of improvements to the classrooms over the past several years, the most recent assessment discovered various ADA deficiencies, an inadequate electrical breaker system and a failing roof (last repaired in 2001). The cost to bring the facility up to ADA compliance standards, address the electrical system and complete other facility improvements is estimated at $345,000. (See Attachment 4.) This amount includes all construction, demolition, materials, moving, storage and associated contingencies. Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize staff to proceed with these improvements concurrent with the play yard improvements. Support Services staff indicates that construction would be completed in the same three-month time period as the play yard improvements. Page3of5